- A poorly maintained battery may reduce power capacity and charge retention.dead battery image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com
Lead-sulfate crystals form around the electrode plates of all automotive and industrial-grade batteries over time. These crystals reduce the surface area for an electrical charge to run through, resulting in poor voltage performance and charge retention, eventually leading to a dead battery. Several strategies and preventative measures such as charge equalization can eliminate the problem before it starts. - Nanopulser is an electronic device used to decompose lead-sulfate crystals. The device applies a low but direct electrical current that retards the build up of lead-sulfate crystals and easily decomposes the hardened compounds into base components without damaging the electrode plates where the crystals most commonly form. Once the crystals have been dissolved, the battery will be able to charge normally and reach its maximum storage capacity, thereby increasing battery lifespan.
- Industrial batteries used for such vehicles as forklifts require equalization charges every four to six cycles to discourage sulfation and lengthen battery life. This strategy is more of a preventative measure that reduces the likelihood of the need of a Nanopulser, though it does not remove some hard sulfation if present. To equalize charges in a battery cell pack, a charge is sent through the entire pack allowing some batteries to overcharge, which will encourage the weaker batteries in the cell to draw more power.
- Industrial usage batteries should not be drained to less than 80 percent of the total power capacity. Dropping below this point allows lead-sulfate crystals to form and further diminish power capacity. A good cure for power-based lead-sulfate crystal formation it to keep the battery pack charged to 100 percent capacity and monitor power storage ratings closely with a regimented equalization charge schedule to maintain optimal performance.
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